Warriors Don't Cry — Vocabulary
Melba Pattillo Beals
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	16	top 1000
principalmost important The principal idea is that decisions should be made by the people who are most knowledgeable about specific circumstances that impact the decision.more Show sample from book Principal Jess Matthews greeted us with a forced smile on his face and directed us to our classrooms.†p.96.415 more most important; or person that is most important Show general definition most important; or person who is most important The exact meaning of principal can depend upon its context. For example: "the principal idea" or "the principal performer" -- the most important "the principal of the school" -- the person in charge "a principal of a company" -- an owner or person with controlling authority "the principal in a transaction" (as contrasted to the agent) -- the person on whose behalf an agent acts
	13	top 1000
tauntintentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone She used Twitter to taunt the opposing candidate.more Show sample from book But as they became preoccupied with exchanging autographs, a few of them let up on chasing and taunting us.†p.207.112 more taunt → taunting:intentionally angering, challenging, or upsetting Show general definition to intentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone -- especially by mocking them or hurling insults or (as a noun): an insult or other action intended to anger, challenge, or upset someone
	12	top 1000
expelexpel → expulsion:the act of forcing out (in this case, kicking someone out of school) Her records show expulsion from two schools.more Show sample from book THREE CHS PUPILS SUSPENDED; MINNIJEAN BROWN EXPELLED —Arkansas Gazette, Tuesday, February 18, 1958†p.166.511 more expel → expelled:forced out Show general definition force out especially in 2 primary senses: kicking someone out of an organization -- such as a school or country squeezing something to eliminate a liquid or gas
	5	top 100
negativenegative → negatively:in a bad or harmful manner Higher interest rates negatively affected home sales.more Show sample from book But as the days passed, I was less concerned about Link's warning and more worried about the boy who now came into study hall each day threatening to toss me out of the window, and the girls who encircled me at least once a day, saying every negative thing they could about the parts of my body.†p.203.14 more bad or harmful Show general definition for negative (as in: had a negative effect) bad or harmful
	8	top 2000
testifytestify → testified:provided oral evidence in court She testified against the robber.more Show sample from book But surely no real friend would keep us sitting on those hard seats long enough for a hundred people to testify.†p.66.27 more provide evidence of something -- especially oral evidence in court Show general definition provide evidence of something -- especially to say something under oath in a court of law
	7	top 1000
beckonbeckon → beckoned:called With a nod of her head, she beckoned me to join them.more Show sample from book One of the soldiers stepped forward and beckoned the driver of a station wagon to move it closer to the driveway.†p.94.26 more beckon → beckoned:called -- typically to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod Show general definition to call -- typically to ask or tell someone to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod of the head
	4	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Nevertheless, I couldn't relax because I was crammed into that dimly lit room among my enemies, and I knew I had to keep watch every moment.†p.111.93 more Show general definition despite that Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 was just stated, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	7	top 2000
harassharass → harasses:persistently bothers This man harasses his female co-workersmore Show sample from book The segregationists were becoming even more vocal, urging the students to harass us at every opportunity.†p.158.76 more to repeatedly bother or attack Show general definition to repeatedly bother or attack
	7	top 2000
segregationkeeping people of different races separated Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to end institutionalized segregation in the United States.more Show sample from book So, of course, I made application and donned my warrior garb because it reminded me of the forbidden fences of segregation in Little Rock.†p.220.76 more the act of keeping people or things separate Show general definition the act of keeping people or things separate -- especially people due to discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, or religion
	4	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book We have to wonder about Link's motives.†p.184.73 more motive → motives:reasons for doing something Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	4	top 500
meticuloustreating details with great care She is a meticulous researcher who takes pride in a thorough job.more Show sample from book I could almost see her mind working to try to set things right so she could keep going in her meticulous way.†p.131.63 more
	4	top 1000
ponderthink about The question the audience is left to ponder is...more Show sample from book I sat quietly and pondered the question as I glanced out the front window at the few soldiers standing at attention.†p.104.93 more ponder → pondered:thought deeply or carefully about Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
	3	top 500
dilemmahard choice It is an ethical dilemma.more Show sample from book MY HOPES FOR A BLISSFUL TWO-WEEK RESPITE FROM Central High over Christmas vacation had been dashed by the dilemma we all faced because of Minnijean's suspension.†p.151.22 more a situation in which a difficult choice must be made between imperfect alternatives Show general definition a situation in which a difficult choice must be made between imperfect alternatives
	3	top 2000
positivecertain I'm positive I've seen her before.more Show sample from book Three years later, when Grandma discovered I would be one of the first blacks to attend Central High School, she said the nightmare that had surrounded my birth was proof positive that destiny had assigned me a special task.p.1.54 more Show general definition for positive (as in: I'm absolutely positive!) certain (having no doubt; or used for emphasis)
	2
positive#2optimistic With a positive attitude and some effort, I'm sure we can make this work.more Show sample from book Even when he was punched with punishing blows or was kicked to the floor, he kept a positive attitude.p.131.14 more optimistic or agreeable Show general definition for positive (as in: a positive attitude) optimistic (expecting or focusing on good things); or agreeable
	4	top 500
monopolycomplete control of a product The company was accused of trying to create a monopoly by buying out all its competitors.more Show sample from book We were discussing my day, sitting in our robes at the dining room table, after dinner and baths, playing Monopoly.†p.136.13 more complete control over a product, service, or resource Show general definition complete control over a product, service, or resource -- usually by a single person, company, or group
	2	top 500
initiatebegin the process of The study concluded that women initiate divorce more frequently than men.more Show sample from book If I got into trouble and really needed protection, it would probably be the network of phone calls initiated by Reverend Young that would set off a rescue and construct a web of safety.p.53.71 more initiate → initiated:begun Show general definition for initiate (as in: initiate discussions) to cause (something) to begin
	3	top 2000
respitebreak The cool evening breeze offered a welcome respite from the afternoon heat.more Show sample from book The President had agreed to give the governor a ten-day respite to sort out his response to the court order.†p.54.12 more a temporary relief from harm or discomfort Show general definition a temporary relief from harm or discomfort
	2	top 2000
belligerenthostile or combative She spoke to her teacher in a belligerent tone and was sent to the office.more Show sample from book The Little Rock School Board now demanded belligerent students be brought under control.†p.186.71 more hostile (the attitude of one eager to fight)… Show general definition hostile (the attitude of one eager to fight); or one already engaged in a fight or war
	2	top 2000
aspirationdesire Her aspiration to become a famous author motivated her to write every day.more Show sample from book The articles gave specific information on what our homes were like, our backgrounds, our hobbies, our aspirations—all there was to know about us.†p.142.81 more aspiration → aspirations:desires Show general definition a desire to achieve something